Mary Ann Williams

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Mary Ann Williams (August 10, 1821 – April 15, 1874) was an American woman who helped start Memorial Day, the annual day to decorate soldiers’ graves.

She was born Mary Ann Howard in Baldwin County, Georgia, the daughter of Major Jack Howard. In 1847, she married Charles J. Williams after he returned from the Mexican–American War. She had already helped his regiment by presenting a flag made by local women in 1846. They had four children: Charles Howard, Caroline, Mary, and Lila.

Her husband became a lawyer and later a politician. He served in the Georgia House of Representatives (1859–1860) and eventually became speaker. He also commanded Fort Pulaski and later led troops in Virginia. He died in February 1862 in Columbus, and was buried in the city cemetery (Linwood).

Mary Ann remained active in civic life and joined the Soldiers’ Aid Society to help local soldiers during the Civil War. She also helped establish the Soldiers’ Home in Columbus. After her husband’s death, she was inspired by their young daughter to help decorate other soldiers’ graves as well.

In early 1866, the Soldiers’ Aid Society was reorganized as the Ladies Memorial Association. Mary Ann Williams was elected Secretary. As part of her work, she wrote a letter to the ladies of the South inviting them to create an annual day to decorate soldiers’ graves. She signed the letter as “Southern Women.” The appeal was widely published and helped spark the memorial holiday.

Williams also served as Trustee and Chairman of the Orphan Asylum and as Trustee of the Georgia Memorial Association. She remained active in these roles until her death.

Mary Ann Williams died on April 15, 1874, at age 52, just before the ninth Memorial Day observance in Columbus. Her funeral on April 16 was attended by the Columbus Guards, and during the wreath-laying ceremonies, soldiers laid roses on her grave.

Her letter and efforts are credited with launching Memorial Day across the South and helping it spread to other parts of the country. The observance began in Georgia in 1866 and soon appeared in many Southern states, and later in the North.